Uganda's largest protected area, the 3,893km2 Murchison Falls National Park contains some of Uganda’s most beautiful landscapes.
The park is bisected by the Nile River, which at the Falls, contracts to a mere 6 metres. The result is waterfalls of astonishing power which create one of Uganda’s most spectacular spectacles.
A boat trip up the Nile to the base of the Falls is a wonderful way of seeing the innumerable hippo, some of the largest Nile crocodiles in Africa, African elephant and, with luck, Leopard or even the much sought-after Shoebill.
The park's savannah is an important sanctuary for plains game including hartebeest, Uganda kob, and African buffalo, and 20 predator species including Lion and Spotted hyena. In total, 76 mammal species have been recorded in the park, including 4 of the Big 5.
The park’s forests include the wonderful Budongo Forest, where the 'Royal Mile' is world-renowned among the international birdwatching fraternity. There is also the mahogany forest of Kaniyo Pabidi, an excellent place in which to seek wild Chimpanzees. (Around 800 chimps inhabit Kaniyo Pabidi and Budongo). Other primates present in the park include Black & white colobus; Blue and Red-tailed monkeys, and the savannah-dwelling Patas monkey.
Over 450 confirmed bird species include specials such Denham's bustard; Standard-winged and Long-taied nightjars; White-crested turacou; Silverbird and Brown twinspot.
At the Karuma Falls in the eastern part of the park, the Nile cascades over 23 kilometres of rapids. This spectacular site has some of the most exhilarating white water in Africa.

Uganda and Rwanda Gorillas, Chimpanzees, Game & Landscapes
Itinerary Highlights
- Trek the awe-inspiring Mountain Gorillas in Uganda
- Visit the stunningly rural Lake Mutanda situated in the shadow of the Virunga Mountains
- Walk through Bwindi Forest encountering various forest-dwelling monkeys and birds
- Track the Chimpanzees in Kibale Forest
Murchison River Lodge
For those who enjoy small, family-run lodges and who are heading out to Murchison Falls National Park, look no further. Set on the South Bank of the Nile River, this little property offers mid-range accommodation in the form of cottages as well as tents. Four spacious and comfortable, open-plan, thatched cottages each has four beds, en-suite bathroom and a private veranda. There are en-suite saf...
Budongo Eco Lodge
Located in the heart of Budongo Central Forest Reserve, at the Kaniyo Pabidi tourism site within the boundaries of Murchison Falls National Park, Budongo Eco Lodge is a lovely shaded eco camp in a quiet peaceful setting.Of note is that it is a former Jane Goodall Research Centre. The property has comfortable eco-cabins with private veranda, as well as four spacious dorm rooms, a visitor’s ce...
Ultimate Uganda & Rwanda Wildlife and Conservation Small Group Tour, September 2023 & 2024
Itinerary Highlights
- Mountain Gorilla and Chimpanzee tracking
- Lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos and antelopes galore
- Superb equatorial African birdwatching!
- Wildlife conservation presentations by rangers, guides & wardens
Uganda Gorillas, Wildlife & Waterfalls
Itinerary Highlights
- Gorilla tracking in Bwindi
- Chimpanzee Habituation in Kibale
- Plains game and predators galore in Murchison Falls National Park
- Abundant equatorial African birdlife, including chance to seek Shoebill in Mabamba
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